Mine Open: May 23 to Sept. 07, 2015

COME DIG WITH US!

Bonanza Opal Mine is in the heart of wild, rugged country with a wide range of things to see and do. Hundreds of square miles of undeveloped and barely inhabited land surround the Virgin Valley. Nearby towns are small, but they offer a lot of fun and adventure. Historic sites are nearby and geologic formations are what make this entire area so interesting, and they are what give Virgin Valley the color and fire of its precious opals.

There is fishing, hiking, hanggliding, bathing, camping, and lots of exploring to do here. You can make an entire vacation in the Virgin Valley and surrounding areas. It's a great place for families, kids, and grownups. When planning your trip to the valley, be sure to check out the What to Bring page to prepare for the climate and camping in the area.

So, just what can you do besides dig for opals at the Bonanza Opal Mine?

Dig for Opals at Bonanza Opal Mine in the Virgin Valley (sorry, we already said that, huh)

Hike the 1000 Creek Gorge in the Virgin Valley

Explore Virgin Creek

Hike Hell Canyon and the confluence of Hell Canyon and Virgin Creek Gorge

ATV through the backcountry around Virgin Valley

Visit Devaney Camp, Badger Creek, and Catnip Reservoir

Fish in the Dufurenna Ponds in the Virgin Valley

Bird watch in the Virgin Valley

Explore historic Kinney Camp

Watch the wild horses, burros and other wildlife in the area

Hike to the top of Gooch Table (the mesa above Bonanza Opal Mine)

Fish at Big Spring Reservoir

Soak in Bog Hot Hot Springs

Soak in Alvord Desert Hot Springs

Soak in Hart Mountain Hot Springs

Visit Mickey Hot Springs (no soaking here; it's too hot)

Have a world famous milk shake at Fields, Oregon

Enjoy Denio Days in Denio, Nevada (always early June)

Go for a hang glider ride in Lakeview, Oregon (over the 4th of July)

Drive around Steens Mountain and dangle your feet at the edge of the world at the top